Tooze’s goal not enough for 2s

Report by Jo Hall

Old Loughtonians - 2
Southend & Benfleet - 1 (Hannah Tooze)

The 2s started the first match after Christmas full of energy when they travelled to Loughts and were in the host’s D within the first minute. A couple of penalty corners followed but, despite Lora Sharples and Claire King coming close, they were unable to make them count. After 15 minutes of pressure, the home side woke up and flipped the balance of play so that S&B were the ones defending their territory. Nicola Ellis and Claire Sutton broke down several attacks, while Ella White and Charley Edwards thwarted Loughts’ attempts and keeper Katie Keppel made a string of fine saves. However a miscommunication in defence gave Loughts a one-on-one with Keppel and they finally broke the deadlock, much against the run of play.

After a positive half time team talk from captain Louise Marsack the 2s regrouped and fought back, player of the match Lily Cole demonstrating some impressive 3D skills, bouncing the ball on her stick out of the D, and Charlotte Brooks put in another excellent performance. But Loughts scored again, frustrating the visitors as they thought the ball had gone out of play moments before. But the 2s did not give up. They kept up the pressure and after Chloe King had a shot saved Hannah Tooze finally got the much needed goal from a penalty corner. The final five minutes were exciting as S&B threw everything they had at the game, winning another short corner. Tooze took a shot from the top D that took a deflection and sailed narrowly over the cross bar. Despite S&B having the remainder of the possession the game finished 2-1 to Loughts.